I ordered a 1733 French style flintlock, partly because it was appropriate to the French and Indian War / American Rev. War period, partly because it appeared on 'black sails'. I had never shot black powder and was a total newb but I had researched it for months. I finally called the number to talk to a gentleman there because I had questions. He was very helpful and patient with a novice. I explained I wanted a shooting gun not a wallhanger and had all sorts of newb questions from safety to historical accuracy. Finally placed order. Then that day my bank stopped the payment because I'd never ordered from outside the country so it seemed odd to them to see a Canadian payment. I corrected this and the order shipped. (there was a screw up on UPS but that was not the shippers fault, and I still got it quickly). The pistol arrived and it was lovely. I did notice the foot of the frizzen was a bit square, but removed it and fixed that rounding it off. Drilled the touchhole myself. The ramrod did break in shipping but I blame ups; it was packaged well enough to protect it had it not endured hard handling. I made a new one using an arrow blank (I shoot trad archery) and got myself a flint. It sparked beautifully especially considering my flint is a piece of old arrowhead not a proper gunflint (I used what I had)! Tested it with powder in pan and it ignites well. The dark wood finish really contrasted with the bright lock and barrel and brass grip cap. However the wood finish was very uniform covering up the grain. I sanded it with steel wool, not enough to remove all of it, just enough to let the grain show thru, then applied sev. Coats of tongue oil. Now it looks like it came out of a museum. Gorgeous.
I finally shot my first black powder rifle a hopkins and allen Hawken, yesterday. Hope to shoot this flintlock soon. The 'three stars' is only because I have not shot it yet. When I do, it may be rated higher!
One caveat; the military heritage site says the caliber is. 64 - but I've never heard of a. 64 caliber pistol. And mine actually measures according to calipers about. 59 - I'm thinking it is for a patched. 58 ball? Regardless, very helpful folks once I got in touch with them and a very handsome pistol that feels solidly built.